Britain downgrades Jerusalem consulate to mission after Israeli closure order

Britain has renamed its consulate in East Jerusalem a "UK Mission" after Israel ordered the building closed. The announcement came on 8 October 2026. Israel closed the consulate because Britain imposed sanctions on Israeli settlements in the occupied West Bank.

The consulate had been open for nearly 200 years. Under a deal between the two governments, the building will stay open but work at a smaller scale. Most staff are leaving: 20 diplomats and the Consul General will withdraw, and only seven people will remain.

Britain says it does not accept that Israel has the legal right to close the consulate. The UK also says East Jerusalem is occupied territory. The small team that stays will continue to provide services to Palestinian people.